There are a large number of helpful websites that detail retail history. While Wall Street has finally understood the dangers lurking in American retail, these websites have been detailing what has been happening, some of them for the last decade. Many of them also have ideas and answers and solutions, shouldMORE HERE
NEW YORK – It’s a really cool blogpost. Blue Fountain Media put together a comparison of bricks vs. clicks. It’s a list of storefronts on the web and how they compare to storefronts online. Dozens of brands on the list, and right next are shots of storefronts. Says Zoe HolmesMORE HERE
SAVANNAH – Entries are just out in the Savannah College of Art & Design’s Phoenix Project. (See a full list of entries here.) At right, the entry for RadioShack (NYSE: RSH) by the student team of Rodrigo Mitma and Josh Finkelstein. Brand Problem: Big-Box and online electronic stores are superiorMORE HERE
We ran across an old record catalog from the 78 era, and noticed that it came from a jewelry store in Norfolk, Virginia. The jewelers D. P. Paul, still (I think) a favorite old-line jeweler in the Norfolk area. Strangely, in 1941, they used to sell records. It made usMORE HERE
The Repair and Parts Business Offers Great Margins and Improved Customer Relationships According to recent news reports, consumers are apparently buying clothes they like in three colors, instead of trying out new styles. This is old school. This is a big change. It’s the same philosophy that is driving theMORE HERE
Except for the success of discounters like Wal-Mart Stores (WMT), BJ’s Wholesale Club (BJ), Dollar Tree (DLTR), Family Dollar Stores (FDO) and Dollar General, it feels like 1932. That being said, not all retailers will go the way of Circuit City and Linens-n-Things. So the question becomes what retailers canMORE HERE
RICHMOND — Original neon signs from two well-known Virginia retailers have been restored to original working condition and are on display at the Valentine Richmond History Center. The exterior sign from the former Mill End Shop in Richmond ‘s Carytown and a mid-century A&N Store sign join the History Center’sMORE HERE
PHILADELPHIA – A study released today on mall shoppers by Wharton’s Baker Retailing Initiative makes the case that malls need more interesting stores and better restaurants. The results seem obvious, but retailers have been missing major opportunities, and driving away customers at a time they can’t afford it, says PaulaMORE HERE
It was but 20 years ago that it lived in downtown Richmond, the south’s greatest department store. Today, the Miller & Rhoads building stands empty, and the city of Richmond waits for its next use, retail. A new Hilton Garden Inn had been slated for the building forever, though nowMORE HERE
If you are interested in the mind and shopping habits of the American WASP, please read Bunny Tomerlin’s Blog. It has all of her favorite things. Lotsa Brickman’s. Brands mentioned by this Men’s Vogue blogger include Carroll Reed, Gloverall, Neese’s Sausage, Bazzini’s Pistachio Nuts, Kinloch Anderson, Brickman’s of Martha’s Vineyard,MORE HERE